Philippians 4:1-9 (NRSV)
Read Philippians 4:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 4Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. Verse 2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Verse 3Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Verse 4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Verse 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Verse 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Verse 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Verse 8Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Verse 9Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Devotion
“Stand firm,” Paul exhorts. Perhaps the resolute among us read this and picture themselves as good Christian soldiers, determined to follow Jesus “come hell or high water.” Others might be consumed with guilt, knowing that, sooner rather than later, they will have compromised, offered some excuse, backed out of some commitment. We look at our “WWJD” bracelets and realize our intentions and actions don’t match. “Rejoice … always,” Paul commands. And we think, “What planet does Paul live on?”
But of course, that is a misreading of the text. Paul is testifying about the environment in which we live rather than the law to which we must adhere. “Stand firm, in the Lord …” “Rejoice, in the Lord …” We “live and move and have our being” in, with and surrounded by the Spirit of God. We not only receive the peace of God – we live in the company of the God of peace.
Prayer
God of peace, you are the joyous sun on our good days and our rock of stability on our bad ones. So whether this will be a day of light or of darkness, make us certain that you are our guide, companion and friend. Amen.